Ajay Devgn set to play squadron leader Vijay Karnik in ‘Bhuj: The Pride of India

Ajay Devgn, last seen in Total Dhamaal, has taken up yet another biopic. His name was recently linked to biopic on football coach Syed Abdul Rahim, after the actor has already worked on the real-life story of Taanaaji, who played the main man in Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s army.

The actor is now set to essay the role of Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik, who was in charge of the Bhuj airport during the 1971 Indo-Pak war. It was Karnik and his team, with the help of the local women, who reconstructed the destroyed Indian Air Force airstrip at Bhuj in Gujarat, in what could be termed as India’s ‘Pearl Harbour’ moment. The movie, based on a true incident, is touted to be one of India’s most fascinating war-related stories.

Talking about the film, producer Bhushan Kumar told Times Of India, “This courageous tale needs to be told because we want the current and the coming generation to know about this brave soldier, Squadron Leader Vijay Karnik, who played a significant role in India’s victory in the 1971 war. He was heroic enough to take this bold step of involving civilians in a war. Also, who better than Ajay Devgn for the role of Vijay Karnik? We are working with him currently in De De Pyaar De and Taanaji, and we are glad that he is on board for this film, too.”

Vijay Karnik also seemed happy to have Ajay Devgn on board to tell his tale. He told the publication, “We were fighting a war and if there had been any casualties of any of these women, it would have been a great loss. But I took the decision and it worked out. I had briefed them where they could take shelter if attacked and they followed it bravely. Also, I could only see Ajay Devgn essaying my character and I’m glad that he’s on board.”

Bhuj: The Pride of India is a Gulshan Kumar presentation along with T-Series and Select Media Holdings LLP. Written-directed by Abhishek Dudhaiya, the film will be produced by Ginny Khanuja, Vajir Singh, Bhushan Kumar, Krishan Kumar and Abhishek Dudhaiya.